An elevator pitch competition, held on central campus from 12 to 1:30 p.m., and an industry tour are just a few events that are planned for Agriculture Entrepreneurship Week. Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation recently designating Monday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 9, as Agricultural Entrepreneurship Week, according to a press release.

The Agriculture Entrepreneurship Initiative at Iowa State University and affiliated students, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses and supporters are planning several events to mark the second year of the designation, according to a press release.

“We’re hoping to expose young agriculture entrepreneurs to lots of resources this week,” said Kevin Kimle, Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship and director of the Iowa State University Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative.

In addition to the events mentioned previously, events planned for the week include an agriculture startup showcase that will take place in the Oak Room of the Memorial Union from 6 to 7 p.m. An unconference on building a more vibrant ecosystem for agriculture entrepreneurs will be held at the Vermeer Building in the Iowa State Research Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On central campus from 2 to 6 p.m., a faculty and staff appreciation lunch will take place.

“Hopefully, this week will be fun for young agriculture entrepreneurs,” Kimle said. “We hope that they encounter new people and new ideas throughout the week.”

According to a press release, the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the top programs of its type in the world, providing students with practical business development and entrepreneurial experiences essential for success in their future careers and endeavors. The program also works with entrepreneurs, businesses and investors to create a vibrant ecosystem for agricultural entrepreneurs.